Esther’s Aid School Celebrates 15th Graduation Ceremony for Culinary Arts and Fashion Design

Kigali, Rwanda — On November 23, 2024, Esther’s Aid School proudly held its 15th Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 230 students in Culinary Arts and Fashion Design.

The emotional event gathered an array of esteemed partners including the Government Representatives, Rwanda TVET Board, representatives from the U.S. Embassy, representatives from various hotels, parents, and other members of the private sector, all united in support of the graduates.

The ceremony began with an inspiring speech from Madam Clare Effiong, Country Director and Founder of Esther’s Aid School, who acknowledged the presence and support of key figures.

“I want to recognize a special guest of honor, Ambassador Joseph Nsengimana, who has been there for his country and also for Esther’s Aid to really support us,” Effiong expressed warmly.

Effiong further emphasized the significance of the event and the partnerships that made it possible.

“For the past decade, Serena Hotel has been supporting Esther’s Aid, giving us the space to do this event, and so we want to take time to tell them thank you. Please clap for Serena Hotel,” she said, garnering enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The ceremony was not just a formal occasion; it promised joy and celebration.

“This ceremony is not the ceremony we are going to just sit. We want to enjoy with our brothers, the young people, the day of excitement, the year of singing and dancing,” Effiong stated, embodying the spirit of festivity that filled the air.

Addressing the graduates, Effiong shared words of encouragement and wisdom.

“The choices you have made are good. But sometimes, the goodness in those choices needs to be discovered. Hopefully, you have learned from us at Esther’s Aid because we have learned from you,” she said.

She went on to commission the graduates for their future journeys, urging them to uphold values of honesty, perseverance, and love.

“Remember, our school is built upon the word of God. We have consistently encouraged you to obey God and demonstrate the love of Christ wherever you go,” Effiong concluded, leaving the graduates with a heartfelt blessing.

“Congratulations to our students today. Clap for yourself and laugh and be happy. God bless Rwanda. God bless America.”

Esther’s Aid Mission is Clear

The highlight of the ceremony also included the speech delivered by Aliou Tall, the USAID Rwanda Education Office Director, who represented the U.S. Embassy.

Tall began by extending a warm welcome on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador and expressed heartfelt appreciation for everyone’s presence at this milestone event.

“Today, we are not just marking the end of our educational journey, we are also celebrating new beginnings,” Tall stated.

Aliou Tall, the USAID Rwanda Education Office Director

He acknowledged the graduates’ dedication, perseverance, and courage in overcoming challenges and acquiring skills that would transform their lives and positively impact their communities.

Tall emphasized Esther’s Aid School’s commitment to education, stating, “Your mission is clear. You love, you care, you train, and you empower. You believe that education is the foundation upon which you build a brighter future.”

He reinforced the alignment of this mission with the United States’ support for Rwanda’s education sector through USAID.

He further noted the significance of the training the graduates received, highlighting that it transcended mere technical skills in culinary arts and fashion design.

“It’s about building a vision for your lives and for the world around you,” Tall said.

 As he encouraged the graduates to carry forward the values of hope, dignity, confidence, and faith, he remarked, “You are not just graduates; you are builders of life. You hold the power to repair broken dreams and uplift those around you.”

Tall also took a moment to recognize and thank key partners, including the Ministry of Education, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, government officials, and all those who have supported the school’s initiatives.

He acknowledged their contributions as pivotal in transforming the lives of the young graduates.

 As he concludes his remarks, Tall inspired the graduates to dream big and work hard, reminding them that success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the positive impact they make in others’ lives.

He expressed optimism for their futures, stating, “May the skills and knowledge you have acquired here serve as a launchpad, propelling you towards a lifetime of meaningful contributions to society.”

In closing, Tall congratulated the graduates, expressing pride in their accomplishments and eagerness to see them excel in the culinary and fashion industries.

 “I look forward to enjoying your delicious meals in one of Rwanda’s restaurants and purchasing your fashion designs,” he added with a smile.

Long-standing partnership between Esther’s Aid and the Rwandan Community

 During the ceremony, Ambassador Joseph Nsengimana graced the occasion as the guest of honor, delivering heartfelt remarks that highlighted the long-standing partnership between Esther’s Aid and the Rwandan community.

Reflecting on his 24-year relationship with the foundation, he shared memories of meeting Clare, the founder of Esther’s Aid, during her first visit to Rwanda in 2000.

“Esther’s Aid has been a foundation that supported us for a long time,” Ambassador Nsengimana noted.

Ambassador Joseph Nsengimana graced the occasion as the guest of honor

“After the genocide, when this country was in ruins, I was determined to create opportunities for orphans and widows, and my partnership with Esther’s Aid was pivotal in that mission.”

He emphasized the importance of the school’s programs in Culinary Arts and Fashion Design, stating, “These skills are essential for our youth. You have made a wise choice to pursue these fields, allowing many to learn, grow, and become productive members of society.”

Addressing the graduates directly, Ambassador Nsengimana encouraged them to carry the torch of excellence. “You are beginning a new journey today. Be good messengers of Esther’s Aid and embody the spirit of hospitality that Rwanda values so deeply. Your role is crucial in showcasing the beauty and culture of our nation to the world.”

Concluding his speech, he offered his warm congratulations and urged the graduates to strive for greatness in their future endeavors.

“May you honor your families and your country by applying the skills you have acquired. Congratulations once again, and go forth to make a difference in your communities.”

As the graduates stepped into their new roles, they carried with them the hopes and dreams of a nation poised for growth and innovation, ready to make their mark in the culinary and fashion industries.

Poignant moment with Mom, Clare Effiong

The ceremony also included a heartfelt Valedictory Speech delivered by Diane Umuhoza, a proud student representative.

In her moving address, Umuhoza reflected on the shared experiences of her classmates, noting, “There is food with laughter, late-night revisions, early morning devotion, and moments that defend us.”

A heartfelt Valedictory Speech delivered by Diane Umuhoza

She emphasized the resilience they cultivated throughout their educational journey, stating, “We have navigated through the bed of times and the most challenging of obstacles… at moments of doubt, we questioned our ability, yet it was during these challenging times that we found our resilience.” Umuhoza took a moment to express her deepest appreciation to the teachers and staff, whose unwavering support and dedication guided the students through their challenges.

 “Your passion has inspired us to reach out to our dreams,” she said.

A particularly poignant moment came when Umuhoza extended heartfelt gratitude to ‘mother’, Clare Effiong. “Thank you for being patient with us, for believing in us when we doubted ourselves,” she said, emphasizing the invaluable role Mom Clare Effiong played in her and her classmates’ lives.

“Mom, you have prepared us for the journey of life… Your impact reaches beyond our classroom, and your influence will be felt in every achievement we make.”

As her speech drew to a close, Umuhoza shared an inspiring biblical proverb, likening the graduates’ journey to the victorious proclamation of “It is finished” uttered by Jesus Christ on the cross.

“Those words reverberate through sound waves and history, representing not just a sign of death but a cry of victory,” she declared, encouraging her fellow graduates to embrace their new horizons with confidence.

Mudahogora Germaine, Workplace Learning and Short Training Coordination Specialist at Rwanda TVET Board

All speakers emphasized the importance and goals of Esther’s Aid, pledging to uphold the values they learned from the school.

 In place of the Rwanda TVET Board Director, who could not attend due to prior commitments, Mudahogora Germaine,  Workplace Learning and Short Training Coordination Specialist at Rwanda TVET Board, expressed pride in seeing young graduates contributing to the country’s growth and prosperity.

She urged employers to prioritize hiring graduates of vocational courses and to create job opportunities for sustainable development.

The event concluded with a traditional dance, a group photo, and a showcase of products made by Esther’s Aid students. Amidst tears of joy, parents and students expressed gratitude to Clare Effiong for her invaluable support during challenging times.